Happy Father's Day: A Letter to Dad

Editor's note: Last week, we put out a call for poems, letters or other forms of expression to honor Dear Old Dad. The following is a heartfelt response we received via email from Berkley Patch reader Erika Her to her father, Eric. We wish Eric and all the dads out there a happy Father's Day!

Dear Dad,

There's no one in the world that is like you. That's why I'm a Daddy's Girl. Remember how you used to cradle me and hold me tightly in your arms? And you always made sure my world was cheery and bright? You provided me with all the things that I needed. You also worked very hard to guarantee that I would get them! You held my hand and kept me safe from dangerous people. You taught me to stand up for myself and never be afraid to have my say. You taught me to not let anyone or anything get in my way. You taught me to put my two feet forward to get things done. And that helping someone was contagious but a whole lot of fun. You carried me and then let me go. Because of you, I grew, that's why I am a Daddy's Girl. Happy Father's Day, Daddy! I love you so much!